Replacing a compressor in refrigeration equipment. Repair and replacement of a refrigerator compressor: features and recommendations How to install a new compressor on a refrigerator

The motor-compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, one of its main parts. Unfortunately, cases of motor failure are not uncommon. He suffers from time, power surges, and too intense work. It is possible to repair this part, but as a rule, repairs are extremely expensive, painstaking and cannot guarantee that the breakdown will not occur again. Therefore, when a compressor breaks down, it is usually replaced with a new one. Installing a motor is not an easy task, which, in addition to “removing and installing,” requires evacuation of the system and filling it with freon. You can't deal with it on your own. Entrust the replacement of the compressor to the specialists of RemBytTech, and they will quickly complete the work - within 24 hours after receiving the application!

The procedure for replacing the compressor

Removing a faulty motor-compressor. The technician will cut and break off the filling tube through which the system is charged with freon. This tube will be needed for the new compressor. Then, at a distance of 20-30 mm from the filter-drier, the capillary tube will be cut so that freon leaves the system. After the refrigerant has evaporated, the technician will remove (or cut off) the suction and exhaust tubes from the faulty motor; they are soldered at approximately a distance of 10-20 mm from the compressor. Next, all that remains is to unscrew the motor mounts to the refrigerator body and remove the motor.
Replacing the filter drier. The third step is to change the zeolite cartridge, also known as a filter drier. The technician will unsolder or cut off the old one and solder the new one. Filter drier - small, but very important detail. It prevents small particles and moisture from entering the capillary tube, which can damage the refrigerator. The filter drier must be changed every time the refrigerator cooling system is opened. Its cost in relation to the total cost of repairs is low. But keeping the old spare part in place can significantly reduce the operating time of the new compressor.
Installation of a new motor. The technician will secure the motor in the housing and connect all the refrigerator tubes (suction, suction and filling) with the corresponding pipes on the compressor. Then he will solder the joints between the tubes and the motor.
Evacuation of the system. After sealing all the seams using a special pump, the technician will vacuum the refrigerator, during which excess moisture is removed from the system.
Refilling the refrigerator with refrigerant. When refueling, the technician will also check the tightness of the soldering of all connections.

The main part of every refrigerator after the cabinet is the compressor. They usually don't break long years, but sometimes, due to power surges in the network, the refrigerator may fail.

Your refrigerator has stopped working and you want to replace the compressor.

As a rule, technicians have many years of experience in replacing a compressor, but often a recent short-term course student comes in with zero qualifications, so you need to know about some important nuances:

Choosing a new compressor. It is better to buy a compressor from the same company, then there will be no problems. If you choose an analogue, then watch carefully so that specifications of the new compressor exactly matched the performance of the compressor installed by the manufacturer.
Pay attention to the cooling capacity of both compressors. They must match completely. This can be found out by checking the operating diagrams of the old and new compressor. Sometimes you can choose a more powerful compressor, but this is provided that all other indicators are identical.
Check if your refrigerator has an oil cooling system. If so, then the new compressor should also have such a system. If you choose a compressor of a different model, then the heat exchanger coil will not work.
It is important to remember that there are compressors with low and high starting torque. If your refrigerator has a capillary tube, then you need to install an LST (low trigger) compressor. If your refrigerator only has a control valve to regulate the pressure, then an HST (high trigger) compressor is the way to go.

Sequence of work

First, the refrigerator is turned off from the network. Very carefully, so as not to break off the steel tubes, bend these tubes so that a gap appears. Then carefully lift the compressor and push it forward a little. No more than 5 cm.
Next, all refrigerant is removed from the compressor. To do this, you need to have a piercing valve and a special cylinder with a vacuum. If your compressor can still run for a little while, it will make the repairman's job much easier. Then this procedure takes no more than 5 minutes. The refrigerant is pumped into the condenser. The technician breaks the filling tube and simply clamps the capillary tube. Then he turns on the refrigerator and it runs for 4 minutes. Then he carefully pierces the filter drier, takes the valve, secures it and connects it to the cylinder. By opening the cylinder, they can easily pump all the refrigerant into it.
Now you need a special soldering iron in order to unsolder the filter drier from the condenser and then replace the filling tube. Recommended to use copper tube, the diameter of which is 6 millimeters and the length is 10-15 centimeters. Then the master begins the final dismantling of the compressor. On last stage he must unsolder, clean and plug the discharge and suction tubes.
The plugs are also on the new compressor. The technician removes them and connects the ends of the refrigerator pipeline with the ends of the tubes on the compressor. Then he solders the joints. He also needs to solder a new filter drier. Once he's done with that, he should cover the soldered areas with enamel paint.
Then, according to the instructions, the technician will fill the compressor with refrigerant. Only the required volume is used. This will be done through the filling tube.

The cost is for informational purposes only and consists of the price of the compressor, the cost Supplies and work, in the case of air conditioners, dismantling and installation work is added external unit.

The main criteria on which the price depends is the cost of the equipment itself, its brand, type and power.

In which devices compressors are replaced:

Air conditioners
Ice makers
Air dryers
Refrigerators
Freezers
VRV and VRF systems
Chillers
Rooftops
Reefers
Freeze dryers

Replacing compressors in a refrigerator

The vast majority of refrigerators use low-power piston non-inverter compressors in a hermetically sealed housing. The cost of such compressors is low, as is the time required to replace them - about 40 minutes, including all work.

But in Lately The number of inverter compressors (with electronic control) and linear compressors (for LG products) is increasing; the cost of such compressors is higher than usual.

Replacing a compressor in an air conditioner

The main type of compressors used in air conditioners are hermetic rotary compressors with a power of 2.0 - 14.0 kW. Control type - non-inverter in earlier models and inverter in release models recent years. Also a large percentage of scroll compressors.

The peculiarity of replacing a compressor in an air conditioner is the need to dismantle the external unit and then install it in its original place, which increases the cost. Otherwise, all work is the same as on other refrigeration equipment.

Replacing the compressor in dryers

Dryers use medium-temperature and high-temperature piston and rotary compressors.

Scroll compressors are also used in powerful installations.

Compressor replacement work

When replacing, the following work is carried out:

Diagnostics
Refrigerant recovery
Compressor dismantling
Flushing the system
Compressor soldering
Soldering filters
Refrigerant charging
Addition of anti-acid additives to the refrigeration circuit
Starting the system

Compressor selection

There are two ways to solve the issue of selecting a compressor - purchase an original compressor or its functional analogue.

The first case is the simplest, since in this case it will fit exactly and there will be no problems with adaptation - adjusting the fasteners, soldering adapter couplings to the suction and discharge lines of the compressor, eliminating problems with excessive vibration, etc.

But this is not always possible for a number of reasons - cessation of production of these products, limitation of the work budget, or a long delivery time in case of urgent repair work.

In this case, it is quite possible to select a similar compressor of a different type and manufacturer, and a higher quality analogue may be cheaper than the original.

Main characteristics for selection:

compressor power
type of refrigerant (freon)
dimensions

Compressor protection measures

To ensure that the new compressor does not fail, it is necessary to protect it. To do this, install anti-acid filters, filter dryers, and add anti-acid additives.

It is also necessary to eliminate all the reasons that led to the failure of the compressor, if they were:

Fix freon leaks
Install crankcase heater
Install oil lifting hinges
Set up oil return to the compressor
Install undervoltage protection in the network

Having carried out step-by-step diagnostics of your Atlant, have you determined that the cause of the breakdown is in the compressor?

Let's remember physics

From school course physicists we know about the structure of the engine internal combustion. The compressor functions in a similar way. The scheme of its work for Indesit or Atlant is the same. A piston and valve system compresses the freon, sending the heated refrigerant to the condenser. There it turns into a liquid state and enters the capillary expander. The compressor compresses the freon, then cools the gas in the condenser, ensuring it circulates in the refrigeration system. The process has a continuous cyclical nature. The compressor is turned off, turning on from time to time to perform the function of compressing the refrigerant.

What kind of refrigerator do you have - the Belarusian Atlant or the Indesit assembled under the Italian patent, they all have the same motor, a similar device internal circuits. In Atlanta and Indesit, piston-type compressors are used. The piston compressor is equipped with an electric motor with a vertical shaft. The structure is insulated with a sealed casing. When the engine is turned on, it starts the crankshaft, which rotates and moves the piston. The piston pumps the refrigerant out of the evaporator and pumps it into the condenser.

Where to start replacing a refrigerator compressor with your own hands

You can repair refrigerators and replace the compressor yourself by identifying the cause of the malfunction. If the compressor heats up after being plugged in, the thermostat relay has most likely failed. Replacing the refrigerator compressor relay can be done even by an amateur. When starting the refrigerator does the motor suddenly turn off for no reason? Replacing a refrigerator compressor motor is best left to the professionals.

But you can try to replace the entire compressor.

What you will need

Check out the video and photos step by step process DIY refrigerator compressor replacement.

Then prepare the necessary tools:

oxygen-propane burner;
two valves: for piercing and removing refrigerant;
leak detector;
electronic thermometer;
small pipe cutter;
filter drier:
copper tube 6 mm;
solder;
flux;
pinch pliers;
Hansen coupling;
charging cylinder;
storage container for freon;
new compressor.

Follow safety precautions. Do not start work while the device is turned on. Repair equipment must be grounded. The work is carried out with gas - the room must be well ventilated. Clear the refrigerator so you can lift and turn it easily.

Work process

When replacing the compressor of an Atlant refrigerator or any other refrigeration device, it is necessary to slightly extend the compressor. Lifting it, break off the freon filling tube, after cutting it with a file.

Then you need to release the gas. Turn on the refrigerator for no more than 5 minutes. The refrigerant will move to the condenser. Attach the piercing valve with the hose from the cylinder connected to it, unscrew it for 30 seconds. The gas will collect in the container.

Solder a copper one in place of the broken tube. This involves gas-burner, in the absence of a torch, a soldering iron will do. A cut of several centimeters is made on the capillary expander to break off the tube and unsolder the filter from the condenser. The compressor is connected to refrigeration unit two tubes (one for pressurizing, the other for removing excess gas).

It needs to be unsoldered from these tubes or cut off with a pipe cutter. The filter drier is cut off at a distance of 15 mm from the condenser. Remove the start-up relay. Dismantle the compressor and remove it from the refrigerator. Before starting soldering on a new compressor, clean the pipeline.

When installing a new compressor, all steps are repeated in reverse order:

place the compressor in refrigerator, securing it to the traverse;
the plugs on the pipes must be removed;
it is important to depressurize the unit 5 minutes before starting soldering;
when removing the plugs, check whether there is excess air pressure in the compressor (this will be indicated by the noise of the escaping air;
gradually connect the discharge, suction and filling tubes to the compressor pipes, the filling tube should have a diameter of 6 mm and a length of 60 mm;
start soldering the seams on the tubes, adhering to the following sequence: filling, suction, discharge, make sure that the burner flame is not directed into the compressor nozzle;
Having removed the plugs from the filter drier, attach it to the condenser, connect the capillary tube to it;
solder the filter along the seams;
and put the filling tube on the valve coupling half;
check the quality of soldering of all seams, they should be smooth, without unsoldered spaces;
Refill with freon by connecting a vacuum filling station to the coupling and removing moisture from the system;
attach the start-protection relay to the compressor by connecting the electrical wires;
turn on the refrigerator, fill the system with freon, leave for 5 minutes;
Use a leak detector to check whether the tightness of the seams is broken;
perform a secondary evacuation of the refrigerator, leave it to work for 20 minutes;
pinch the filling tube, remove the coupling, and solder the tube.

Results

Your refrigerator is ready to use, start the engine. Afterwards you need to check the functioning of the relay. If it starts, then you have completed the task.

Having gained positive experience with your own hands, you can now give advice if a similar problem arises in one of your loved ones or friends. And in difficult times, you can earn extra money by performing the now no longer difficult operation of repairing a refrigeration unit.

Refrigerator - complex and expensive household appliance, consisting of several dozen units and parts. The most important of them is the compressor (in technical literature it is usually called a motor-compressor). In modern two-compressors there can be several (for each chamber).

It is not uncommon for a refrigerator to break down due to a compressor failure. As a rule, its breakdown is serious. Replacing a refrigerator compressor is not a cheap procedure. Therefore, before starting repairs, it is worth carrying out competent diagnostics and installing the right reason breakdowns. For example, replacing the compressor of a Stinol refrigerator will cost from 6,900 to 11,500 rubles. The process itself is complex and requires special knowledge and equipment.

What is a compressor?

Many craftsmen call it the heart of the refrigerator. The performance of the entire cooling system depends on the proper operation of this element. The motor pumps coolant vapor into closed system refrigerator, which consists of a compressor, evaporator and condenser.

The compressor itself is a technically complex unit. It consists of:

relay;
electric motor;
pistons (similar to the pistons of internal combustion engines).

Deterioration in the performance of the motor-compressor requires immediate repair, and if it fails, replacement may be necessary.

How does a refrigerator work?

To identify a possible breakdown or malfunction of the compressor, you need to understand the basic operation of the refrigerator.

The refrigerant evaporates and in a gaseous state enters the condenser, in which, giving off heat, it gradually turns into liquid. In the evaporator freezer due to heat it becomes gaseous again. If the condenser and evaporator operate constantly, the compressor is turned on only by temperature sensors in the refrigerator chamber. The temperature rises, the temperature sensors signal this to the starting relay, and it starts the motor-compressor. When the temperature in the chamber drops, the motor turns off.

Signs of a compressor malfunction

Most refrigerator malfunctions in which the operation of the compressor is disrupted can be determined visually:

the temperature in the cells is higher than usual;
the motor-compressor works without stopping;
the compressor overheats;
the compressor runs but does not heat up;
the starting relay starts the compressor, but it does not start working (characteristic clicks are heard without the motor starting to work);
during operation, noises appeared that were not noticed before, vibration, rattling;
the condenser (with the compressor running) does not heat up, but remains at room temperature.

Causes of breakdowns and failure of the compressor

The refrigerator cooling system, as mentioned above, is a complex closed loop. Most modern manufacturers guarantee its proper operation over a long period of time. In addition, almost all such systems are equipped with protection systems against most common violations of operating rules that arise due to the fault of the consumer.

Most often, compressor failure occurs due to:

high or low voltage in electrical network;
peak voltage nets;
violations of the refrigerator’s operating modes (for example, they forget to turn off the temporary “quick freezing” mode);
additional heating of parts of the refrigerator (for example, if the refrigerator is located near a radiator);
attempts by consumers to independently change and repair parts of the refrigerator.
damage (case, condenser) during transportation or movement of the refrigerator.

What to do if the refrigerator does not work?

The best thing to do would be to call a specialist who will inspect and diagnose the refrigerator malfunction. If the user decides to first assess the cause of the malfunction on his own, it is worth following the path from simple to complex.

Malfunctions or failures are not always associated with the motor-compressor.

Important to remember! At normal operation In the refrigerator, the compressor itself may heat up slightly, but should operate silently (operation can only be recognized by the uniform hum of the refrigerator or compressor, only if you put your hand to it). The condenser tubes heat up slightly (the heating should be uniform).

First, you should check the temperature sensors in the cameras. Failure of such a sensor makes the normal functioning of the refrigerator impossible. Checking can only be done with special tools.

Then you should check the starting relay of the motor-compressor, which also requires special instruments.

Examination power cord and wiring of the refrigerator often becomes the cause of malfunction due to external mechanical damage.

When does a refrigerator compressor need to be replaced?

If diagnostics of other components of the device do not produce results, and the motor does not work and does not make any sounds, it most likely requires repair. In most cases you have to change it completely. Burnt out motors cannot be repaired.

How much will the repair cost?

How much it costs to replace a refrigerator compressor will depend on several factors:

the price of the motor itself or its equivalent;
difficulty in removing a failed device and installing a new one.

If you diagnose the problem in time, you can save a lot. For example, replacing the compressor of an Atlant refrigerator costs from 7,400 to 11,500 rubles. It turns out that restoration work can cost almost half the cost of a new device.

According to experienced craftsmen In most cases, expensive refrigerator repairs and compressor replacements can be avoided by contacting professionals at the first sign of a breakdown. Often, the harbinger of a major malfunction is minor causes (freon leakage, thermostat failure, wear of the rubber seal), which are much cheaper to fix than a complete replacement.

Direct repair

Today, some people rush to take on complex jobs (like replacing a compressor) in which they have no experience other than DIY tutorials on the Internet.

Replacing a refrigerator compressor is complex process, which requires an accurate determination of the cause of the malfunction, the experience and qualifications of a specialist, specialized tools are required (gas burner, refrigerant storage tank, puncture valves and other equipment).

Amateurs who undertake to repair a failed motor look even more absurd. The absurdity is that manufacturers deliberately produce the compressor in a non-separable form. This is evidenced by the sealing of the entire body (despite the fact that the device is very complex and consists of several dozen parts). If any parts of the engine fail, they are not repaired, but carried out complete replacement refrigerator compressor for a new one.

This should only be done by a specialist with experience using special tool.

Conclusion

Since such repairs are not cheap (for example, replacing the compressor of an Indesit refrigerator will cost owners from 7,400 to 9,900 rubles), it is worth following the operating rules. Most common cause breakdown is instability of the electrical network. Therefore, it is recommended to connect the refrigerator not directly, but through a voltage stabilizer.